People have this image of Christians as those who have it all together. We often put on a false face for our Christian friends to show them we're doing great, no problems whatsoever. This puts a big falsity into motion. Because one family won't show emotion of hardships they've been through recently, another family doesn't want to look imperfect so they, too, put on that face. Sooner or later we aren't able to speak of any problems we've had at church because everyone's life seems to be going perfect! This is where the pride begins; we see nothing but "perfect" people around us and we couldn't possibly show weakness to those who seem so strong. We probably just have something wrong with us, it's probably just all in our head.
Everyone knows what I'm talking about..we've all done it at some point in our life (or still do.) You have a rough week, so much stress it's been overbearing and even an argument in the car on your drive to church. It seems so hard...but what do we say when our friends ask how we've been? "I've been doing great! How about you?" They reply with "Oh good! I've been great, too!" Shame on us. To open up to other believers is good for us; we can humble ourselves to ask for prayer, which they will most likely give willingly.
Now listen, at the same time if we're the one asking how someone's week has been, ask as though it were being asked of you. We must make sure to ask with sincerity and not make it just a casual question. *Two sides, both need help to get out of the regular rut.*
I say to myself "But, what would my friends do if they found out I'm not always really happy, content, faithful or at peace with my life? Everyone else looks so happy, I'd just rather not bother them." Most likely my friends are going through some kind of hardship, as well, or at least might have already been through one. They might need the encouragement and someone to listen just as much as you do.
Always be the one to ask sincerely and listen with a humble heart.
When things start sliding, when problems arise...I'm ready. I have my plan. Let's call it Plan 'A'. This is my idea of the perfect plan. I have it all mapped out and charted so I can fix this untimely problem. If my plan doesn't happen to work, I've always got God's to fall back on, right? It's the back-up, second in line, "just in case" plan. Wrong. There is no plan 'B', because I shouldn't have a plan 'A' from my own ideas. This is when I would quote the verse that says "Woe to the rebellious children, who take counsel, but not of God, and who devise plans, but not of God's Spirit." (Isaiah 30:1)
Woe to me, the one who thinks more highly of myself than I ought to.
I think I have it all figured out, think I'm smart enough to work out my own life. Where does faith fit into this little plan? Right on. It doesn't. There is no room for faith if I do not trust my life in someone's hands who aren't mine. When trials come, my FIRST reaction should be to run to God for guidance and strength.
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;" -Psalm 37:7
The funny thing about God though, is that He waits for us, as well. He doesn't swoop down and take hold of our life when He sees us messing things up. He waits for us to call on His name; to cry out a humble cry of one who is in need of a greater power. At that point we should be fully trusting Him, desperate for Him alone to keep us safe.
One of the young men in my church put it like this:
He told how he loves holding his little brother and tossing him into the air and catching him. Well, his little brother is getting older and growing up a little bit. Now, right as he is about to toss the little guy into the air, he grabs onto his big brother tightly, clinging to him fearful of being dropped or falling. Big brother says to him "I won't drop you...I wouldn't ever drop you." He said "It made me think about my relationship with God. He's telling us 'I wouldn't ever drop you.' " It's so true. God is our Father and we are His precious, priceless children. He won't ever drop us; He'll never leave us; He won't lead us down a path to harm us.
This kind of trust is so very hard, especially when we feel as though we've been tossed so high in the air that we'll come down too fast to be caught. God's strength and power is sufficient. Period.
Now, a few hints we can constantly check in our own lives that prove we're trusting God are:
-We should be joyful
-We should be at peace
If we have neither of these in our life, we need to check our trust meter because it's probably on "low" or "empty". "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD." -Psalm 27:14
Something I've always done to measure how much a person could be trusted was how much they would do for me. How far they were willing to go to protect me. If someone says they care about me so much that they would give their life for me if I ever needed it...that person almost has my complete trust. The funny thing is, when I think of trusting my life to someone I can't see it becomes very hard and many times scary. I often cower and become afraid to let go of all the things I need to and place them in the hands of God. But you see, He truly deserves all of my trust. Unlike those who say they would give anything to protect me, God actually has done so already! He did give His life for me, so that I could live!
Trust is one of the hardest things we'll ever have to learn. Trusting in God, deciding who to trust from those around you...it's very difficult. But it's also one of the things in life that's reward is far beyond any other thing. To trust someone or something means you'll have peace.
"Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." -Isaiah 40:31
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." -John 14:27
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Speaking, not floating
As I sat here thinking about all of our government problems...I thought about how we could have gotten this far. People can blame all kinds of things but when you get right down to the root of all of our problems, it's our fault for the way things have turned out. Money problems: We spend more than we make. People in office: We didn't do anything about them getting there. Laws made against what our country was founded on: Because we wouldn't stand up and speak.
Looking back at our founding fathers, we see so many men who gave their whole life to make these laws that we are now throwing away. We see men who were not afraid of being punished for doing what was right. We see men who fought for truth and God's law, making God's law our law of the land. Nobody fights anymore. We all just want to dwell peacefully together and not offend anyone. Let me tell you something; anytime you stand up for what's right, SOMEONE will get offended. Sad but true. Even something like praying in a public place can cause someone of a different religion to be offended; does that mean we shouldn't do it? No. We cannot give up our own rights to let everyone else be comfortable everywhere they go.
We can blame president after president for our problems, we can blame governors and senators but it's only because we don't want to place any blame on ourselves. This country was founded on the principals of God and "the people." It was never meant to be a government run country, and it will not work properly being run like such.
To fix problems up there, we must first fix problems in our own lives; each person must look at their own heart. We can't get upset at the government for it's spending and debt yet go out and do the very same thing in our personal lives. We can't complain about things being done that go against what God says and we ourselves not stand up for them in our everyday lives. We cannot blame others for what we have caused.
Granted, there are many things that are out of our hands, but if you take a close look back in time, it's because we didn't stop them from getting as bad as they are. If we stop a problem right as it's starting instead of closing our eyes and letting it get worse then we wouldn't have these huge mountain issues to deal with. We cannot ever be perfect, but if we stand up for what is true and right things would certainly be better.
We are a corrupt race anyway because of sin, but what we don't realize is that man has no power over us. The president doesn't even have any power unless given by God. With one word He could take any number of the men in our government down. One word; that's all it takes.
When is the last time you spoke up for what you believed?
Have you simply let problems go so you won't be the only one speaking?
Have you thought that perhaps speaking up you will give courage to some who otherwise were too afraid to say anything?
Have you taught your kids the difference between right and wrong with government powers, or will they grow up knowing you're too afraid to say what God says?
God tells us that we are to follow the laws of the land so long as they don't go against Him, but if we don't speak up about right and wrong then these laws could very well get to a point of disobeying God's law.
We are to speak what's right, not float with whatever direction the tide flows. Going against the the current is definitely the more difficult rout, but it is so worth it!
How long will you wait to speak up?
We need to take responsibility for our own actions and stop pointing the finger at everyone else.
Looking back at our founding fathers, we see so many men who gave their whole life to make these laws that we are now throwing away. We see men who were not afraid of being punished for doing what was right. We see men who fought for truth and God's law, making God's law our law of the land. Nobody fights anymore. We all just want to dwell peacefully together and not offend anyone. Let me tell you something; anytime you stand up for what's right, SOMEONE will get offended. Sad but true. Even something like praying in a public place can cause someone of a different religion to be offended; does that mean we shouldn't do it? No. We cannot give up our own rights to let everyone else be comfortable everywhere they go.
We can blame president after president for our problems, we can blame governors and senators but it's only because we don't want to place any blame on ourselves. This country was founded on the principals of God and "the people." It was never meant to be a government run country, and it will not work properly being run like such.
To fix problems up there, we must first fix problems in our own lives; each person must look at their own heart. We can't get upset at the government for it's spending and debt yet go out and do the very same thing in our personal lives. We can't complain about things being done that go against what God says and we ourselves not stand up for them in our everyday lives. We cannot blame others for what we have caused.
Granted, there are many things that are out of our hands, but if you take a close look back in time, it's because we didn't stop them from getting as bad as they are. If we stop a problem right as it's starting instead of closing our eyes and letting it get worse then we wouldn't have these huge mountain issues to deal with. We cannot ever be perfect, but if we stand up for what is true and right things would certainly be better.
We are a corrupt race anyway because of sin, but what we don't realize is that man has no power over us. The president doesn't even have any power unless given by God. With one word He could take any number of the men in our government down. One word; that's all it takes.
When is the last time you spoke up for what you believed?
Have you simply let problems go so you won't be the only one speaking?
Have you thought that perhaps speaking up you will give courage to some who otherwise were too afraid to say anything?
Have you taught your kids the difference between right and wrong with government powers, or will they grow up knowing you're too afraid to say what God says?
God tells us that we are to follow the laws of the land so long as they don't go against Him, but if we don't speak up about right and wrong then these laws could very well get to a point of disobeying God's law.
We are to speak what's right, not float with whatever direction the tide flows. Going against the the current is definitely the more difficult rout, but it is so worth it!
How long will you wait to speak up?
We need to take responsibility for our own actions and stop pointing the finger at everyone else.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Patience for the life of Christ
Patience is one thing that I seem to lack with people more than any other thing. I get in a hurry and want them to rush what they're saying or get on with the point, to do their job faster, get finished using something so it will be my turn, drive better or "the way I would" and so on. The list is endless. I don't have a lot of patience; plain and simple.
As I sat here thinking of this, something came to my mind. How many times have I gone astray, taken longer to grasp a concept or driven my life the way *I* wanted...and God just stood back patiently waiting for me to let go and let Him take over?
His patience is never ending no matter how slow I am or how many times I have to be taught the same lesson. He waits for me, loving me still.
To be Christ like, I must remember patience. I must remember that things don't have to go my way and in my time; people may be slower in situations where it would be nice if they could go faster, but God might have a reason for the way things are going right now.
I need to make a conscious effort to not roll my eyes, sigh and get irritated when I feel my patience being tested.
"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another," -Collosians 3:12-13
Have compassion on those who can't figure things out as fast as you and be kind when you show them a better way to do something. Be humble, not showing pride in how much you know, but being gentle with your words and having patience as the person learns. Bear with them as they do tasks or tell stories.
Everyone deserves to be shown compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We should all bear with one another, showing love as Christ did to those around Him. He talked to the poor, blind, sick and needy.
Should we not, also, be patient with people? We don't have to be treated that way to treat others with that which we know is right.
"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing." -1 Peter 3:8-9
I am also very impatient in my life and things that I'm hoping will happen in my future. I get very impatient and depressed when my life just seems to go in circles and never get anywhere. But you know what?
One thing everyone must learn is this: We're not too slow, we haven't missed out on loads of things people tell us we have. We haven't missed our opportunity to be who God made us to be. We may not be in the place that all our friends are, but we are just where God wants us. We am special and unique, unlike any other. We must be patient for Him to do in our lives that which is right, not that which others tell us needs to happen. Most of the time, waiting is so much harder than taking action and jumping in to things.
"Be still and know that I am God." Be still and know His plan for you is unlike any other; He is never late, He will never just drop your dreams and wishes and make you miserable. He loves you and wants only the very best for you. In God's eyes we are princes and Princesses. We are His children and His plan for our life is far greater than we could ever imagine. Not always easy, but always worth it.
As I sat here thinking of this, something came to my mind. How many times have I gone astray, taken longer to grasp a concept or driven my life the way *I* wanted...and God just stood back patiently waiting for me to let go and let Him take over?
His patience is never ending no matter how slow I am or how many times I have to be taught the same lesson. He waits for me, loving me still.
To be Christ like, I must remember patience. I must remember that things don't have to go my way and in my time; people may be slower in situations where it would be nice if they could go faster, but God might have a reason for the way things are going right now.
I need to make a conscious effort to not roll my eyes, sigh and get irritated when I feel my patience being tested.
"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another," -Collosians 3:12-13
Have compassion on those who can't figure things out as fast as you and be kind when you show them a better way to do something. Be humble, not showing pride in how much you know, but being gentle with your words and having patience as the person learns. Bear with them as they do tasks or tell stories.
Everyone deserves to be shown compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We should all bear with one another, showing love as Christ did to those around Him. He talked to the poor, blind, sick and needy.
Should we not, also, be patient with people? We don't have to be treated that way to treat others with that which we know is right.
"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing." -1 Peter 3:8-9
I am also very impatient in my life and things that I'm hoping will happen in my future. I get very impatient and depressed when my life just seems to go in circles and never get anywhere. But you know what?
One thing everyone must learn is this: We're not too slow, we haven't missed out on loads of things people tell us we have. We haven't missed our opportunity to be who God made us to be. We may not be in the place that all our friends are, but we are just where God wants us. We am special and unique, unlike any other. We must be patient for Him to do in our lives that which is right, not that which others tell us needs to happen. Most of the time, waiting is so much harder than taking action and jumping in to things.
"Be still and know that I am God." Be still and know His plan for you is unlike any other; He is never late, He will never just drop your dreams and wishes and make you miserable. He loves you and wants only the very best for you. In God's eyes we are princes and Princesses. We are His children and His plan for our life is far greater than we could ever imagine. Not always easy, but always worth it.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Is Love Ruling Your Life?
If you think about it even for a minute, Christians, more than anyone else, should know the true meaning of love and how to do it. Being a Christian means we have accepted Jesus' truths and accepted His love sacrifice as being sufficient for all of our sins. It means we have believed in Jesus and all He said and did was true. It means we have been shown the perfect picture of love.
To be a Christian means to be "Christ-like".
Christ-like.
The bible tells us that Jesus was perfect. The only way He could sacrifice Himself as the ultimate offering was to be perfect. But it also tells us that He had the body of a human. He had desires, wants and temptations just as we have. He had pain, if He got cut he would bleed, if He got hot, He would sweat. He, however, is the only human who has/will ever live a perfect life here on this earth. His life was full of love for those who had nobody. He loved those who were unlovable. He loved those who nobody else would love. He loved those despised by others. He loved those who had sinned.
When I hear someone talk of murders, rapes, crimes and assaults...I often close my eyes to the awful thing that it was and will even judge the people involved. I'll say "Well they shouldn't have been out that late, it's their own fault." or "Well look at the way she's dressed, no wonder that happened to her. It's her fault, she deserved it." or "Well, they joined the wrong crowd, it was their choice, therefore their fault."
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned." -Luke 6:36-37
Instead of my heart aching for these people and the sin against them, I judge them more harshly than anyone should judge, totally ignoring the fact that Jesus said we MUST love them no matter what they've done. He said "ALL have sinned" and that He loved us "While we were yet sinners." We don't need to judge other people by what's on the outside; you never know why people do what they do, dress the way they dress, say what they say or go where they go. We need to reach and change their hearts and show them love before we try to change the way they look on the outside.
"A lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” And he answered, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.” But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” -Luke 10:25-37
When you read the story of the good Samaritan, you see a wonderful example of true love. Love that went before title or place in society. The Samaritans weren't the ones who were loved, liked, or even accepted. Yet this man came along and gave of his time, money and love and helped someone in need.
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned." -Luke 6:27-37
Love goes beyond any treatment you've received. It forgets wrong done against you in order to follow Christ.
I know time and time again I have the feeling that I have "arrived" or perfected a certain area of my life. Because of that, I feel the need to help others with this area where I see them not quite as perfected as myself. It's really rather sad. I believe I've had more mistakes this way than any other. Pride is a mighty power, and can overtake many areas of your life if you let it.
"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye." -Luke 6:41-42
Contrary to what I might think...this verse doesn't mean "perfect your life first, so you might also go then and help others perfect their life." No, it's more saying that we shouldn't point out these little faults of other people because most likely we have an even bigger problem with the very same thing. We are in no position to point out other people's faults and how awful they are when we have the same ones. We need to concentrate on our own life, keeping our hearts and minds on the Lord so we can work on messed up areas!
True love comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be from the smallest of things, like lending someone a cup of sugar, to a huge thing like saving someone's life.
But there is one thing we must have for love to work properly. Compassion. To love another person you must first learn to have compassion for them.
True compassion moves us to do something.
Helping other people isn't something we just do to check off a list. We can't say we have done our charity/good deed for the week and leave it at that. No! If we are truly moved with compassion, as Jesus was, we won't help and "love" others on a set date then leave, or have a schedule when we love them and when we have our normal life. Love doesn't have an expiration date.
Love meets needs. Love is selfless. Love thinks of others. Love means meeting physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." -- "But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13
Loving someone doesn't mean simply going to a soup kitchen and dipping up plates for people with no home. This is an amazingly kind thing to do...but it's not all there is to do. Sometimes we might have to go into the bad parts of town. We might have to go into a dirty house. We might be around screaming kids and barking, unfriendly dogs. We might have to go clean up an area that isn't the cleanest. If we're not willing to get dirty for the cause of love, for others, then we should check our hearts.
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To love and help others, sometimes we have to get rid of a little bit of baggage on our end. It might be bitterness, unforgiveness, racism, judgmental heart or anything else that's weighing us down and holding us back from true compassion. We have to let it go before God will truly use us.
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On our own we cannot love as we need to. We can try all we want but it is impossible. The only way we can have TRUE love and compassion is if we have God's gift of love in our hearts and allow HIM to shine through our life. God is the Creator of love! We think love is just a word that we say when we have any kind of happy emotion inside. We don't think of the true meaning, see the picture of Christ on that cross to give of everything He had; and for who? The very ones who hung Him there.
The truth is, without our willingness to let His love come through us, we can't let it reach other people. It will stay bottled up in our hearts and just sit there.
Love is that which does for those who everyone else has marked "unlovable." We can't say we have true love yet pick the "better," "cleaner" people to show it to. We must treat everyone with the love of God, not just the ones we think deserve it.
If our giving comes from God then we will search for a true need and not just give them the same thing everyone else gives away. We can't just go give someone a jacket or blanket, because (for example) "John" may not need a jacket/blanket. John might need someone to talk to him, a phone to call family, a bag of bread, a shower or new pair of shoes. We must find the need then provide. If you want to be "Christ-like," talk to those who are hurting and alone. Find out the need, whatever it is, and fulfill it to the best of your ability.
"Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you." -Matthew 5:42
Love will never get old; will never run out. It has no expiration date because it will last forever and overflows where Christ dwells.
To be a Christian means to be "Christ-like".
Christ-like.
The bible tells us that Jesus was perfect. The only way He could sacrifice Himself as the ultimate offering was to be perfect. But it also tells us that He had the body of a human. He had desires, wants and temptations just as we have. He had pain, if He got cut he would bleed, if He got hot, He would sweat. He, however, is the only human who has/will ever live a perfect life here on this earth. His life was full of love for those who had nobody. He loved those who were unlovable. He loved those who nobody else would love. He loved those despised by others. He loved those who had sinned.
When I hear someone talk of murders, rapes, crimes and assaults...I often close my eyes to the awful thing that it was and will even judge the people involved. I'll say "Well they shouldn't have been out that late, it's their own fault." or "Well look at the way she's dressed, no wonder that happened to her. It's her fault, she deserved it." or "Well, they joined the wrong crowd, it was their choice, therefore their fault."
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned." -Luke 6:36-37
Instead of my heart aching for these people and the sin against them, I judge them more harshly than anyone should judge, totally ignoring the fact that Jesus said we MUST love them no matter what they've done. He said "ALL have sinned" and that He loved us "While we were yet sinners." We don't need to judge other people by what's on the outside; you never know why people do what they do, dress the way they dress, say what they say or go where they go. We need to reach and change their hearts and show them love before we try to change the way they look on the outside.
"A lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” And he answered, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.” But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” -Luke 10:25-37
When you read the story of the good Samaritan, you see a wonderful example of true love. Love that went before title or place in society. The Samaritans weren't the ones who were loved, liked, or even accepted. Yet this man came along and gave of his time, money and love and helped someone in need.
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned." -Luke 6:27-37
Love goes beyond any treatment you've received. It forgets wrong done against you in order to follow Christ.
I know time and time again I have the feeling that I have "arrived" or perfected a certain area of my life. Because of that, I feel the need to help others with this area where I see them not quite as perfected as myself.
"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye." -Luke 6:41-42
Contrary to what I might think...this verse doesn't mean "perfect your life first, so you might also go then and help others perfect their life." No, it's more saying that we shouldn't point out these little faults of other people because most likely we have an even bigger problem with the very same thing. We are in no position to point out other people's faults and how awful they are when we have the same ones. We need to concentrate on our own life, keeping our hearts and minds on the Lord so we can work on messed up areas!
True love comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be from the smallest of things, like lending someone a cup of sugar, to a huge thing like saving someone's life.
But there is one thing we must have for love to work properly. Compassion. To love another person you must first learn to have compassion for them.
True compassion moves us to do something.
Helping other people isn't something we just do to check off a list. We can't say we have done our charity/good deed for the week and leave it at that. No! If we are truly moved with compassion, as Jesus was, we won't help and "love" others on a set date then leave, or have a schedule when we love them and when we have our normal life. Love doesn't have an expiration date.
Love meets needs. Love is selfless. Love thinks of others. Love means meeting physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." -- "But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13
Loving someone doesn't mean simply going to a soup kitchen and dipping up plates for people with no home. This is an amazingly kind thing to do...but it's not all there is to do. Sometimes we might have to go into the bad parts of town. We might have to go into a dirty house. We might be around screaming kids and barking, unfriendly dogs. We might have to go clean up an area that isn't the cleanest. If we're not willing to get dirty for the cause of love, for others, then we should check our hearts.
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To love and help others, sometimes we have to get rid of a little bit of baggage on our end. It might be bitterness, unforgiveness, racism, judgmental heart or anything else that's weighing us down and holding us back from true compassion. We have to let it go before God will truly use us.
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On our own we cannot love as we need to. We can try all we want but it is impossible. The only way we can have TRUE love and compassion is if we have God's gift of love in our hearts and allow HIM to shine through our life. God is the Creator of love! We think love is just a word that we say when we have any kind of happy emotion inside. We don't think of the true meaning, see the picture of Christ on that cross to give of everything He had; and for who? The very ones who hung Him there.
The truth is, without our willingness to let His love come through us, we can't let it reach other people. It will stay bottled up in our hearts and just sit there.
Love is that which does for those who everyone else has marked "unlovable." We can't say we have true love yet pick the "better," "cleaner" people to show it to. We must treat everyone with the love of God, not just the ones we think deserve it.
If our giving comes from God then we will search for a true need and not just give them the same thing everyone else gives away. We can't just go give someone a jacket or blanket, because (for example) "John" may not need a jacket/blanket. John might need someone to talk to him, a phone to call family, a bag of bread, a shower or new pair of shoes. We must find the need then provide. If you want to be "Christ-like," talk to those who are hurting and alone. Find out the need, whatever it is, and fulfill it to the best of your ability.
"Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you." -Matthew 5:42
Love will never get old; will never run out. It has no expiration date because it will last forever and overflows where Christ dwells.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Refining fire
I've heard so many stories and news reports about the fires all around East Texas; it's so devastating. I was trying to think of some positive thing to take away from it, or a good lesson to take away.
I began to wonder what kinds of bible verses there were about fire. Turns out there's quite a few! Many are talking about lamps burning, burning of sacrifices, etc, etc. But there were a few that caught my attention.
"For You are my lamp, O LORD; and the LORD illumines my darkness." - 2 Samuel 22:29
Most of the time fire is ok. It heats things for us, was the first thing to give us light, it can keep us warms and can keep certain machines running. Then there are the tragic sides of fires. They can destroy things in minutes and take many lives easily.
But, I want you to think about an oil lamp, for a minute. These aren't used a whole lot anymore to give light, but when electricity goes out people go looking for a candle or lamp. Here in this verse it says that God will illuminate our darkness. I'm sure there's a much deeper meaning to this particular verse, but the one thing it points out that is very true is the fact that Jesus is the light and will shine on us to show our darkness. In a way like Adam and Eve after they sinned finally seeing they were naked. God opens our eyes by shining His light on things in our life.
Same thing said here: "For You save an afflicted people, but haughty eyes You abase. For You light my lamp; the LORD my God illumines my darkness." - Psalm 18:27-28
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:104
Now, I get it...these aren't necessarily about "fire" but they came up in my searches relating to fire, and I like them.
Psalm, especially, talks about God's word an awful lot. In almost every verse in Psalm it mentions God's word, the "law", His "precepts", etc. Have you ever walked in the dark? Unless you've got an empty room it can be very painful or difficult. You bump into things, stub your toes, trip over furniture, step on toys or knock something over. Our life can seem very similar to a walk in the dark sometimes. We seem lost and hopeless, like we're stumbling around in the dark. We think "If only I had a light to guide my way." But alas, there is a light! One that will not only be a lamp for our feet to walk by, but a light to lead our path! When you have someone leading you with a light, it's much easier to walk, even if you still can't see everything around you. You at least know what is right in front of your feet, when you need to turn and step over things. God is our light.
"How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?" - Psalm 89:46
I don't know about the rest of you, but there have been many times in my life when I just straight up thought God was hiding Himself from me. There may certainly be times in my life that He will do that, to see if I will still follow Him and trust in His plan...but God will never leave me. That is His promise. But God most definitely has wrath that will be poured out on those who stray from righteousness. Many times in scripture it says His wrath is like a fire. It is strong and can destroy so much with a single word; yet it is always a perfect wrath. It is righteous. Those who disobey God have purposefully left His side and must be punished. The hope of even something as bad as this, though, is that God is a forgiving, merciful God. He will punish to make someone turn around, but once they do His love showers them all over again. If you truly love someone you won't let them continue in the wrong direction. It's that simple.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;" - Isaiah 43:2-3
All the things of fire I can think of mentioned in the bible were things used to point people back to Christ. When He let out His wrath on cities, when He had people burn sacrifices, when there were torches or lamps involved...it was all pointing back to Christ.
Even in this time of devastation with the fires all around us, God can use them to bring people closer to Him or simply to Him for the first time. Let us keep hope that God will send an answer to prayer to let them cease, but at the same time we should be praying that those who don't know the Lord or have strayed from Him will be brought to Him because of these fires. Prayer is a mighty tool, and one I truly believe we don't use often enough. It's our way of communicating with God, but we often only use it when we're in trouble.
Open those lines back up. Talk with your Father. Draw close to Him even when times are going well.
I began to wonder what kinds of bible verses there were about fire. Turns out there's quite a few! Many are talking about lamps burning, burning of sacrifices, etc, etc. But there were a few that caught my attention.
"For You are my lamp, O LORD; and the LORD illumines my darkness." - 2 Samuel 22:29
Most of the time fire is ok. It heats things for us, was the first thing to give us light, it can keep us warms and can keep certain machines running. Then there are the tragic sides of fires. They can destroy things in minutes and take many lives easily.
But, I want you to think about an oil lamp, for a minute. These aren't used a whole lot anymore to give light, but when electricity goes out people go looking for a candle or lamp. Here in this verse it says that God will illuminate our darkness. I'm sure there's a much deeper meaning to this particular verse, but the one thing it points out that is very true is the fact that Jesus is the light and will shine on us to show our darkness. In a way like Adam and Eve after they sinned finally seeing they were naked. God opens our eyes by shining His light on things in our life.
Same thing said here: "For You save an afflicted people, but haughty eyes You abase. For You light my lamp; the LORD my God illumines my darkness." - Psalm 18:27-28
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:104
Now, I get it...these aren't necessarily about "fire" but they came up in my searches relating to fire, and I like them.
Psalm, especially, talks about God's word an awful lot. In almost every verse in Psalm it mentions God's word, the "law", His "precepts", etc. Have you ever walked in the dark? Unless you've got an empty room it can be very painful or difficult. You bump into things, stub your toes, trip over furniture, step on toys or knock something over. Our life can seem very similar to a walk in the dark sometimes. We seem lost and hopeless, like we're stumbling around in the dark. We think "If only I had a light to guide my way." But alas, there is a light! One that will not only be a lamp for our feet to walk by, but a light to lead our path! When you have someone leading you with a light, it's much easier to walk, even if you still can't see everything around you. You at least know what is right in front of your feet, when you need to turn and step over things. God is our light.
"How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?" - Psalm 89:46
I don't know about the rest of you, but there have been many times in my life when I just straight up thought God was hiding Himself from me. There may certainly be times in my life that He will do that, to see if I will still follow Him and trust in His plan...but God will never leave me. That is His promise. But God most definitely has wrath that will be poured out on those who stray from righteousness. Many times in scripture it says His wrath is like a fire. It is strong and can destroy so much with a single word; yet it is always a perfect wrath. It is righteous. Those who disobey God have purposefully left His side and must be punished. The hope of even something as bad as this, though, is that God is a forgiving, merciful God. He will punish to make someone turn around, but once they do His love showers them all over again. If you truly love someone you won't let them continue in the wrong direction. It's that simple.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;" - Isaiah 43:2-3
All the things of fire I can think of mentioned in the bible were things used to point people back to Christ. When He let out His wrath on cities, when He had people burn sacrifices, when there were torches or lamps involved...it was all pointing back to Christ.
Even in this time of devastation with the fires all around us, God can use them to bring people closer to Him or simply to Him for the first time. Let us keep hope that God will send an answer to prayer to let them cease, but at the same time we should be praying that those who don't know the Lord or have strayed from Him will be brought to Him because of these fires. Prayer is a mighty tool, and one I truly believe we don't use often enough. It's our way of communicating with God, but we often only use it when we're in trouble.
Open those lines back up. Talk with your Father. Draw close to Him even when times are going well.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
A new life, not a diet.
One thing a lot of people say about their life, whether they're Christians or not, is that they are proud of the way they've lived. Those who don't know Christ do things they think are worthy or good causes, a lot of Christians do different forms of charity, donate to the poor, give time at shelters and such....they feel proud of how they've lived.
The best decision I've ever made was Christ. I am proud of that decision and will stand up for my beliefs no matter what. Other than that, when I look back on my life and the things I have and haven't done...I'm not proud of it. I may have helped people here and there or "gave until it hurt" a few times, but I'm still not proud of my life. I have made more than my fair share of mistakes, said more things that shouldn't have come out of my mouth than I'd like to admit; I've treated people with much less than the love they deserved and not held my anger when someone did something to me that I didn't like. In my eyes, my life has been a total mess; I've lived in fear and made so many mistakes that is has only made me even more afraid to try new things or meet new people.
Before you start getting the wrong idea I will go ahead and tell you; no, I am not trying to get pity. I've certainly had enough of that from people and myself. Just stay with me and it will make sense (hopefully).
With all of the (many) things I struggle with, I feel alone. Like nobody can understand me or what I feel in situations or why I respond to circumstances the way I do. I completely understand that just because I've always done something one way or responded to a situation a certain way doesn't mean it's the way Christ would have me live my life. Do you remember when I talked about Jesus being the tree and we are His branches? Well, I mentioned that when a branch is cut off from the tree there will be a scar. These scars are like my mistakes; when I've made a mistake in the past, if anything even slightly similar happens in the future my reaction will be similar. I've got that scar that won't ever fully heal that keep my reactions going the same direction (often the wrong direction).
Some of you might know what I'm talking about.
The one thing I have learned through growing pains throughout my life is this: no matter how many times I let God down, God will never let me down. Pretty mind-boggling, isn't it? I mean, God doesn't need a single thing. He doesn't need me to be happy; He doesn't need the flowers, trees, animals or clouds. He needs nothing, yet He has chosen to open up His heart and pour out His love and grace on someone like me. Like one of my childhood pastors used to quote every Sunday, I am nothing but filthy rags. I deserve hell along with all of those who reject Christ because I nailed Him to that cross just as much as anyone else. But there is grace.
I think about all my problems way too much, I will go ahead and tell you that. I tell myself a lot that I need to let problems and worries go, give them over to God, but It just hit me today that I not only need to trust God with my future but I also need to hand over my past. So long as I tried to make things right when I wronged others and ask God to forgive me, God has promised that even when those people don't forgive me I have the forgiveness of God Himself; that is all I need to move on. It is not held against me, it is not carved into me for the rest of my life. God forgave and forgot my wrong.
You see, Christianity isn't some religion that people make it out to be; it's not some kind of lifestyle you can try out and toss away when it doesn't work out like a diet. Christianity is about forgiveness. The gift we have as Christ's followers is because of forgiveness. We are able to get along with people because of forgiveness. This all sounds like a fairy-tale, you say? You try forgiving everyone who asks it of you. It's not easy whatsoever. Some small things might be a piece of cake, but when you get down to the dirty parts of people and they do wrong against you, or you do it to them, forgiving it so much harder. It's a lot easier to hold a grudge or bitterness than forgive. But in the long run you simply start rotting from the inside out.
The hope we all have is in the forgiveness of our Lord. The hope I have for my future, for moving on, is in the forgiveness of my Lord.
I was reading a devotional book the other day and had to bring it home. It's written as if God had written it to us specifically. This one passage at the beginning really makes your heart stop.
"I love you, and if you can always, as it were, feel My pulse beat, you will receive insight that will give you sustaining strength. I bore your sins and I wish to carry your burdens. You may take the gift of light and merry heart, for My love dispels all fear and is a cure for every ill. Lay your head upon my chest and lose yourself in Me. You will experience resurrection life and peace; the joy of the Lord will become your strength; and wells of salvation will be opened within you." (Frances J. Roberts "Come Away My Beloved")
We are loved by God, no matter how many mistakes we make or how awful they seem in the eyes of the world. We will always be forgiven if we only ask it of Him. Once He has forgiven it is over with. We must move on with our life and simply rely on Him more for strength to do right.
The hope you have is in Christ Jesus. That is the only thing that can wash away your old life and give you a new start every single day. By having guilt of all your mistakes in your past you're not able to have a future; you're not able to be an effective witness because you will portray your sins, and not the forgiveness of God.
Live life like you mean it, not like a diet that isn't working. Every day is new. Wake up starting fresh knowing you've been forgiven. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." -2 Corinthians 5:17
The best decision I've ever made was Christ. I am proud of that decision and will stand up for my beliefs no matter what. Other than that, when I look back on my life and the things I have and haven't done...I'm not proud of it. I may have helped people here and there or "gave until it hurt" a few times, but I'm still not proud of my life. I have made more than my fair share of mistakes, said more things that shouldn't have come out of my mouth than I'd like to admit; I've treated people with much less than the love they deserved and not held my anger when someone did something to me that I didn't like. In my eyes, my life has been a total mess; I've lived in fear and made so many mistakes that is has only made me even more afraid to try new things or meet new people.
Before you start getting the wrong idea I will go ahead and tell you; no, I am not trying to get pity. I've certainly had enough of that from people and myself. Just stay with me and it will make sense (hopefully).
With all of the (many) things I struggle with, I feel alone. Like nobody can understand me or what I feel in situations or why I respond to circumstances the way I do. I completely understand that just because I've always done something one way or responded to a situation a certain way doesn't mean it's the way Christ would have me live my life. Do you remember when I talked about Jesus being the tree and we are His branches? Well, I mentioned that when a branch is cut off from the tree there will be a scar. These scars are like my mistakes; when I've made a mistake in the past, if anything even slightly similar happens in the future my reaction will be similar. I've got that scar that won't ever fully heal that keep my reactions going the same direction (often the wrong direction).
Some of you might know what I'm talking about.
The one thing I have learned through growing pains throughout my life is this: no matter how many times I let God down, God will never let me down. Pretty mind-boggling, isn't it? I mean, God doesn't need a single thing. He doesn't need me to be happy; He doesn't need the flowers, trees, animals or clouds. He needs nothing, yet He has chosen to open up His heart and pour out His love and grace on someone like me. Like one of my childhood pastors used to quote every Sunday, I am nothing but filthy rags. I deserve hell along with all of those who reject Christ because I nailed Him to that cross just as much as anyone else. But there is grace.
I think about all my problems way too much, I will go ahead and tell you that. I tell myself a lot that I need to let problems and worries go, give them over to God, but It just hit me today that I not only need to trust God with my future but I also need to hand over my past. So long as I tried to make things right when I wronged others and ask God to forgive me, God has promised that even when those people don't forgive me I have the forgiveness of God Himself; that is all I need to move on. It is not held against me, it is not carved into me for the rest of my life. God forgave and forgot my wrong.
You see, Christianity isn't some religion that people make it out to be; it's not some kind of lifestyle you can try out and toss away when it doesn't work out like a diet. Christianity is about forgiveness. The gift we have as Christ's followers is because of forgiveness. We are able to get along with people because of forgiveness. This all sounds like a fairy-tale, you say? You try forgiving everyone who asks it of you. It's not easy whatsoever. Some small things might be a piece of cake, but when you get down to the dirty parts of people and they do wrong against you, or you do it to them, forgiving it so much harder. It's a lot easier to hold a grudge or bitterness than forgive. But in the long run you simply start rotting from the inside out.
The hope we all have is in the forgiveness of our Lord. The hope I have for my future, for moving on, is in the forgiveness of my Lord.
I was reading a devotional book the other day and had to bring it home. It's written as if God had written it to us specifically. This one passage at the beginning really makes your heart stop.
"I love you, and if you can always, as it were, feel My pulse beat, you will receive insight that will give you sustaining strength. I bore your sins and I wish to carry your burdens. You may take the gift of light and merry heart, for My love dispels all fear and is a cure for every ill. Lay your head upon my chest and lose yourself in Me. You will experience resurrection life and peace; the joy of the Lord will become your strength; and wells of salvation will be opened within you." (Frances J. Roberts "Come Away My Beloved")
We are loved by God, no matter how many mistakes we make or how awful they seem in the eyes of the world. We will always be forgiven if we only ask it of Him. Once He has forgiven it is over with. We must move on with our life and simply rely on Him more for strength to do right.
The hope you have is in Christ Jesus. That is the only thing that can wash away your old life and give you a new start every single day. By having guilt of all your mistakes in your past you're not able to have a future; you're not able to be an effective witness because you will portray your sins, and not the forgiveness of God.
Live life like you mean it, not like a diet that isn't working. Every day is new. Wake up starting fresh knowing you've been forgiven. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." -2 Corinthians 5:17
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Growing, learning, releasing.
Each and every new day is an exciting new challenge. These days it's more of the "challenge" than the "exciting" if I'm honest with myself. Getting older isn't a piece of cake or fun ride, people. I've learned that the long way around. Thinking the older I get the more things I get to do; that's all very well and true, but it also means I've got a lot more responsibility and expectations. Every month, that picture I had in my head as a little girl of how fun adulthood was going to be, it starts to fade and morph into something much different. The stress of trying to find a way to make money, paying for new things, trying to figure out what I want to do with my life...it's all a lot to take in. People ask how my life is and I say fine, but honestly I'm just plain exhausted.
Now don't get me wrong, my life isn't awful and I'm not complaining about all of these different things. I understand fully that growing up is a rough process. Going from care free to responsibility can be a hard thing to grab a hold of. Trust me. But I've learned that if I'm ever going to make much out of my life, I can't just do my best and it be enough. I should and hope I always give my all in everything I do, but my best isn't good enough; it's as simple as that.
The bible says that in our own strength we are actually weak. That's something, isn't it? Even if I give my absolute all, it's still not good enough. This would be a huge downer to my life....if I didn't have the rest of the story. It says that because of sin, I am weak. I cannot do anything good of myself because there is no good in me. But God uses you and I both to cause good works to happen. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ we are then part of His family and He will use us as tools to accomplish great things.
My goals and dreams are often smashed to pieces before they are even thought about for 5 minutes because of my fear of man. I get so squeamish when I think about talking to people I don't know, having to carry on a conversation with a stranger or go up and help someone I don't know. I worry about what I will do, where I will end up, what job I'll get, how much I need to save, how little I make, etc, etc, etc. Yes, the list goes on and on. These, of course, aren't the right attitudes at all.
#1, "The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted." -Proverbs 29:25 I should never fear man. Ever. Period.
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." - 1 John 4:18 Because I have Christ in me, I have perfect love. His love can and will cast out my fear; first I must give Him every fear and worry that I've held onto with a tight grip. I have very small hands but when it comes to hanging on to things, my grip can be deathly. I will grasp that thing until I get too miserable and tired of squeezing anymore. That is when God finally gets to me enough to release it all into His hands.
#2, My job is to grow. Not only as a human being but as a Christian, as well. Sitting at home all day whittling my thumbs isn't going to grow me any at all. To grow I must explore, learn and try new things.
"When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things." - 1 Corinthians 13:11
#3, I worry way too much. I completely understand the need to know how to help provide, whether it be for my family someday, being a mom (or if need be, getting a job when times are hard), or simply providing for myself. I need to know how to work. I need to use the gifts God has given me and plug them into an outlet that uses them in the best way possible. I can also only do so much. I'm only so big and my voice is only so loud. I can't make people give me a job or tell them to give me money. I also believe it's important to wait on the Lord for anything concerning financial matters. (This, of course, isn't to say I just need to sit at home and wait for a job to be set in my lap free and easy.)
The bible does touch on this subject a few times.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ...
It's not my job to worry about providing. I can do my part in following where God leads me, work hard and go outside my comfort zone, but the worry is not for me to hold. It's all in God's hands, no matter how hard I pull it away, He will always have a hand in my life.
So, the encouragement I've found in Jesus is this: It doesn't matter how many people tell me I need to get a job or that I should move out and be on my own. It doesn't matter how many friends of mine have done it or how many are planning on doing it. It doesn't matter how what others tell me, just so long as I am following God and His will for MY life. Because honestly when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter what people tell me my life should be/look like. My life should be right in the eyes of God, not man.
My life may not be easy, but I am blessed far more abundantly that many people in this world today. I have a family and amazing friends; I have more stuff than anyone needs and more money than loads of people. God gives strengths to some people, and patience to others. He gives when we need it and takes away when we don't.
I pray that I would keep my eyes on the goal: following Jesus. I don't want to follow the world...they won't ever lead me in the right direction. No matter how much pressure I have against me, it can all be released into the hands of Jesus.
Now don't get me wrong, my life isn't awful and I'm not complaining about all of these different things. I understand fully that growing up is a rough process. Going from care free to responsibility can be a hard thing to grab a hold of. Trust me. But I've learned that if I'm ever going to make much out of my life, I can't just do my best and it be enough. I should and hope I always give my all in everything I do, but my best isn't good enough; it's as simple as that.
The bible says that in our own strength we are actually weak. That's something, isn't it? Even if I give my absolute all, it's still not good enough. This would be a huge downer to my life....if I didn't have the rest of the story. It says that because of sin, I am weak. I cannot do anything good of myself because there is no good in me. But God uses you and I both to cause good works to happen. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ we are then part of His family and He will use us as tools to accomplish great things.
My goals and dreams are often smashed to pieces before they are even thought about for 5 minutes because of my fear of man. I get so squeamish when I think about talking to people I don't know, having to carry on a conversation with a stranger or go up and help someone I don't know. I worry about what I will do, where I will end up, what job I'll get, how much I need to save, how little I make, etc, etc, etc. Yes, the list goes on and on. These, of course, aren't the right attitudes at all.
#1, "The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted." -Proverbs 29:25 I should never fear man. Ever. Period.
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." - 1 John 4:18 Because I have Christ in me, I have perfect love. His love can and will cast out my fear; first I must give Him every fear and worry that I've held onto with a tight grip. I have very small hands but when it comes to hanging on to things, my grip can be deathly. I will grasp that thing until I get too miserable and tired of squeezing anymore. That is when God finally gets to me enough to release it all into His hands.
#2, My job is to grow. Not only as a human being but as a Christian, as well. Sitting at home all day whittling my thumbs isn't going to grow me any at all. To grow I must explore, learn and try new things.
"When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things." - 1 Corinthians 13:11
#3, I worry way too much. I completely understand the need to know how to help provide, whether it be for my family someday, being a mom (or if need be, getting a job when times are hard), or simply providing for myself. I need to know how to work. I need to use the gifts God has given me and plug them into an outlet that uses them in the best way possible. I can also only do so much. I'm only so big and my voice is only so loud. I can't make people give me a job or tell them to give me money. I also believe it's important to wait on the Lord for anything concerning financial matters. (This, of course, isn't to say I just need to sit at home and wait for a job to be set in my lap free and easy.)
The bible does touch on this subject a few times.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ...
It's not my job to worry about providing. I can do my part in following where God leads me, work hard and go outside my comfort zone, but the worry is not for me to hold. It's all in God's hands, no matter how hard I pull it away, He will always have a hand in my life.
So, the encouragement I've found in Jesus is this: It doesn't matter how many people tell me I need to get a job or that I should move out and be on my own. It doesn't matter how many friends of mine have done it or how many are planning on doing it. It doesn't matter how what others tell me, just so long as I am following God and His will for MY life. Because honestly when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter what people tell me my life should be/look like. My life should be right in the eyes of God, not man.
My life may not be easy, but I am blessed far more abundantly that many people in this world today. I have a family and amazing friends; I have more stuff than anyone needs and more money than loads of people. God gives strengths to some people, and patience to others. He gives when we need it and takes away when we don't.
I pray that I would keep my eyes on the goal: following Jesus. I don't want to follow the world...they won't ever lead me in the right direction. No matter how much pressure I have against me, it can all be released into the hands of Jesus.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Just in case you've been thinking...
I think about this on occasion and thought I would go ahead and share some of my reasons for how I write. I know several times people have told me they took my writing a certain way when it was never my intention to sound like that.
I used to have a habit of constantly writing about what "you" should do or how to fix "your" problems and I'm afraid it often came across as me thinking I had all of the answers. I have tried to turn it around and use things such as "I need to work on ____" or "if only I would do ____" just so everyone knows I'm not trying to say I have all the answers about all of the problems we face, or that I have figured out my life and the complications in it. Because I haven't. God knows I haven't done that!
Also, when I mention things I went through or problems I face I want you all to know I do that not so I can get everyone feeling sorry for me, but to let those who are struggling know they aren't alone; that everyone has hardships and rough patches in life but to remind everyone, and myself, that God is in control. I want to encourage everyone that no matter how great people think your life looks, everyone has problems. I mention my mistakes so there is no way anyone could say I think I'm perfect or have it all figured out, not to throw a pity party.
I will admit I may not always have the best balance for all of these things, but I really do care about my readers and what they're going through. Even though the things you go through are totally different than what I will go through, whether worse or not, we all have moments of needing encouragement.
My blog is a place for me to write my thoughts, "revelations" I experience in life, and struggles I have come through with the strength from God. It is not a self-help book or a list of things to do or not to do.
I'm not perfect, I will be the first to admit I probably have things figured out less than most people and that I certainly make my fair share of mistakes. But God is good and uses everything for His glory.
So, that's why I share the way I do...in case you were wondering.
I used to have a habit of constantly writing about what "you" should do or how to fix "your" problems and I'm afraid it often came across as me thinking I had all of the answers. I have tried to turn it around and use things such as "I need to work on ____" or "if only I would do ____" just so everyone knows I'm not trying to say I have all the answers about all of the problems we face, or that I have figured out my life and the complications in it. Because I haven't. God knows I haven't done that!
Also, when I mention things I went through or problems I face I want you all to know I do that not so I can get everyone feeling sorry for me, but to let those who are struggling know they aren't alone; that everyone has hardships and rough patches in life but to remind everyone, and myself, that God is in control. I want to encourage everyone that no matter how great people think your life looks, everyone has problems. I mention my mistakes so there is no way anyone could say I think I'm perfect or have it all figured out, not to throw a pity party.
I will admit I may not always have the best balance for all of these things, but I really do care about my readers and what they're going through. Even though the things you go through are totally different than what I will go through, whether worse or not, we all have moments of needing encouragement.
My blog is a place for me to write my thoughts, "revelations" I experience in life, and struggles I have come through with the strength from God. It is not a self-help book or a list of things to do or not to do.
I'm not perfect, I will be the first to admit I probably have things figured out less than most people and that I certainly make my fair share of mistakes. But God is good and uses everything for His glory.
So, that's why I share the way I do...in case you were wondering.
Good vs. Evil
When people think of a battle or war, their first thought isn't of spiritual things. It's of a physical battle between people who have disagreed or argued to a point where war is the only rational option. Normally good vs. evil. Unfortunately, the "good guys" don't always win the battles here on earth. Many peoples lives are lost in the wars and sometimes we will lose the battle. It's sad, but very true.
When a soldier goes into battle he doesn't think of himself, his wants or needs. His mind is on the job at hand; winning the battle. As Christians, we are constantly in a battle, one to be fought for the Lord of Lords Himself. We are to keep at the forefront of our mind the goal and we mustn't ever give up hope of winning.
This battle is very different from any other battle because to fight and win, we must first die; die to ourselves and everything we want. Once we have given our life over to the Lord, we automatically signed up for the battle. Our weapon is love, our shield is faith and our clothes are the blood of the Lamb, covering us fully. Protecting us from the evil of the enemy.
Now, just like in any other war situation we will face many hardships. We will lose solders, faith in our abilities and at times even our hope of ever winning. Here's the good part, the one thing that sets this war apart from any other; we know the ending. Yep. It's pretty amazing. We already know what is going to happen in the end. God has told us that He will come again, reign over the whole earth, smite the enemy and have victory over evil for eternity.
In the mean time, we have been given instructions, our orders for service, so to speak.
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." -Mark 16:15
This is very important. The root of every command. Our job is to tell the world about this war, and save their lives by showing them the victory we've been shown. The love we've been given. The faith we have in our King.
"There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD." -Proverbs 21:30-31
Nothing is greater than the Lord. That is the first thing we must understand. There is no man on the face of this earth that has so much wisdom it outweighs God's, there is not a single soul who has understanding of enough things to even begin to come close to God's. There are those think they are prepared for battling the Lord, those who think their knowledge and "wisdom" are their way to win against Him, but they don't even have a chance. They have no hope. God has the victory; it is as though it has already happened. When God says something will happen, it is not a guess or estimation, it is a fact and as sure as I am sitting here, it will happen no matter what man does to try and stop it.
"As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped. I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and I did not turn back until they were consumed. I shattered them, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet. For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me." -Psalm 18:30-39
Again here, it states that God has given us everything we need (including Himself). He has made us strong through His mighty power, all who follow Him. His children are His solders, and He guards them each step of the way, protecting them from the fiery darts of the enemy.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." -Ephesians 6:10-17
This is our packing list; the things we will need for our battle. If you look closely, though, these things aren't material. They are the kind of protection that is given by the Lord. We don't need a bunch of baggage to carry around with us nor do we need heavy armor. All we need is the Lord and He will provide everything we need.
There are many reasons the weapons and protection we are given are not things that we can necessarily see, but more that we can feel and have faith in. You see, this battle we are all fighting is not one that can be won by physically fighting the enemy. But spiritually fighting. "With all prayer and supplication." We are fighting a very large spiritual battle every night we sleep and every day we wake up.
"For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin." -Romans 7:14-26
Our battle daily will be one of the devil fighting us with temptations, sending things our way hoping we will give in to the fleshly desires in our heart to disobey God's law. Every day he will fight and fight. He will brew bitterness, unforgiveness, disloyalty, false words, lies, disgrace, un-loving acts and words and anything else he can get to get to our hearts. He will throw "fiery darts" of lies and filthy words into our head until we give in to his words. We become as the very people we are angry towards. We turn into bitter beings, like cinnamon on our tongues; tasteless, burning, unsweetened. He will tell us lies of our self-worth, that we aren't truly forgiven for our mistakes...he uses anything in our past and hopes we have for the future to tear our walls down and keep us from the faith and strength we have in the Lord.
So many days and nights of my life have been spent dealing with voices in my head, Satan just pounding me with lies. Many times I tried to take things into my own hands to get rid of them, but they were still there, I worked in vain. He would remind me of all my mistakes, all my hurts and scars, all of my unworthiness. Then when he stopped for a minute to take a breath I would hear a small whisper telling me to throw those words out and turn my heart back over to the Lord. Mistakes are some of Satan's biggest weapons. I can't stop making them no matter how hard I try, but I can be forgiven from them and forget about every single one of them because God has told me He will do just that.
The voices will try to overtake your life...they will drag you down lower and lower, deeper and deeper into depression.
But hear me out; the day that we call on the name of the Lord, He will set us free.
If the voices of Satan are constantly floating through your head, taking away your peace and life, all you have to do is call on the name of the Lord. He will smash the enemy beneath His feet and mute the lies. His promise is that we have been forgiven, we are loved, and that our battle is not being fought in vain. We can hope for our future because we have hope in our Lord. We can love those who are un-loveable because we have been loved when we were un-loveable. We can forgive because we have been forgiven.
We are all in this battle together. Our job is to tell other people about Christ, give them the hope we have in us so they can be on the winning side, so they don't have to face an eternity in the lake of fire. In the midst of fighting for other people's lives we will be wrestling with problems of our own; the enemy will try to ruin our hearts. Keep the armor of the Lord around you, the words of the Father on your heart and the forgiveness of the Son of God in your mind.
"Never give up, never give up, never give up."
The victory is already ours! But we can still save the lives of those who are willing to come join us.
When a soldier goes into battle he doesn't think of himself, his wants or needs. His mind is on the job at hand; winning the battle. As Christians, we are constantly in a battle, one to be fought for the Lord of Lords Himself. We are to keep at the forefront of our mind the goal and we mustn't ever give up hope of winning.
This battle is very different from any other battle because to fight and win, we must first die; die to ourselves and everything we want. Once we have given our life over to the Lord, we automatically signed up for the battle. Our weapon is love, our shield is faith and our clothes are the blood of the Lamb, covering us fully. Protecting us from the evil of the enemy.
Now, just like in any other war situation we will face many hardships. We will lose solders, faith in our abilities and at times even our hope of ever winning. Here's the good part, the one thing that sets this war apart from any other; we know the ending. Yep. It's pretty amazing. We already know what is going to happen in the end. God has told us that He will come again, reign over the whole earth, smite the enemy and have victory over evil for eternity.
In the mean time, we have been given instructions, our orders for service, so to speak.
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." -Mark 16:15
This is very important. The root of every command. Our job is to tell the world about this war, and save their lives by showing them the victory we've been shown. The love we've been given. The faith we have in our King.
"There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD." -Proverbs 21:30-31
Nothing is greater than the Lord. That is the first thing we must understand. There is no man on the face of this earth that has so much wisdom it outweighs God's, there is not a single soul who has understanding of enough things to even begin to come close to God's. There are those think they are prepared for battling the Lord, those who think their knowledge and "wisdom" are their way to win against Him, but they don't even have a chance. They have no hope. God has the victory; it is as though it has already happened. When God says something will happen, it is not a guess or estimation, it is a fact and as sure as I am sitting here, it will happen no matter what man does to try and stop it.
"As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped. I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and I did not turn back until they were consumed. I shattered them, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet. For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me." -Psalm 18:30-39
Again here, it states that God has given us everything we need (including Himself). He has made us strong through His mighty power, all who follow Him. His children are His solders, and He guards them each step of the way, protecting them from the fiery darts of the enemy.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." -Ephesians 6:10-17
This is our packing list; the things we will need for our battle. If you look closely, though, these things aren't material. They are the kind of protection that is given by the Lord. We don't need a bunch of baggage to carry around with us nor do we need heavy armor. All we need is the Lord and He will provide everything we need.
There are many reasons the weapons and protection we are given are not things that we can necessarily see, but more that we can feel and have faith in. You see, this battle we are all fighting is not one that can be won by physically fighting the enemy. But spiritually fighting. "With all prayer and supplication." We are fighting a very large spiritual battle every night we sleep and every day we wake up.
"For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin." -Romans 7:14-26
Our battle daily will be one of the devil fighting us with temptations, sending things our way hoping we will give in to the fleshly desires in our heart to disobey God's law. Every day he will fight and fight. He will brew bitterness, unforgiveness, disloyalty, false words, lies, disgrace, un-loving acts and words and anything else he can get to get to our hearts. He will throw "fiery darts" of lies and filthy words into our head until we give in to his words. We become as the very people we are angry towards. We turn into bitter beings, like cinnamon on our tongues; tasteless, burning, unsweetened. He will tell us lies of our self-worth, that we aren't truly forgiven for our mistakes...he uses anything in our past and hopes we have for the future to tear our walls down and keep us from the faith and strength we have in the Lord.
So many days and nights of my life have been spent dealing with voices in my head, Satan just pounding me with lies. Many times I tried to take things into my own hands to get rid of them, but they were still there, I worked in vain. He would remind me of all my mistakes, all my hurts and scars, all of my unworthiness. Then when he stopped for a minute to take a breath I would hear a small whisper telling me to throw those words out and turn my heart back over to the Lord. Mistakes are some of Satan's biggest weapons. I can't stop making them no matter how hard I try, but I can be forgiven from them and forget about every single one of them because God has told me He will do just that.
The voices will try to overtake your life...they will drag you down lower and lower, deeper and deeper into depression.
But hear me out; the day that we call on the name of the Lord, He will set us free.
If the voices of Satan are constantly floating through your head, taking away your peace and life, all you have to do is call on the name of the Lord. He will smash the enemy beneath His feet and mute the lies. His promise is that we have been forgiven, we are loved, and that our battle is not being fought in vain. We can hope for our future because we have hope in our Lord. We can love those who are un-loveable because we have been loved when we were un-loveable. We can forgive because we have been forgiven.
We are all in this battle together. Our job is to tell other people about Christ, give them the hope we have in us so they can be on the winning side, so they don't have to face an eternity in the lake of fire. In the midst of fighting for other people's lives we will be wrestling with problems of our own; the enemy will try to ruin our hearts. Keep the armor of the Lord around you, the words of the Father on your heart and the forgiveness of the Son of God in your mind.
"Never give up, never give up, never give up."
The victory is already ours! But we can still save the lives of those who are willing to come join us.
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